''Pandering is offering money for sex,'' said Sgt. Mike Tyndell of the Athens-Clarke County police department.

Grant was arrested at 10:17 p.m., according to a booking report released by the Clarke County Sheriff's Office. Pandering is a misdemeanor. Tyndell said Grant was arrested after approaching an undercover police officer.

''We were addressing a problem of prostitution in the area of Meigs and Finley streets, and Mr. Grant approached a person and offered them money for sex,'' Tyndell said.

Grant, reached in his McWhorter Hall dorm room Sunday evening, said his arrest was the result of a misunderstanding.

''I was just trying to be nice and give somebody a ride out of the cold,'' he said. ''I thought they were going downtown or whatever. The police were there. It all happened fast.''

Grant was released from jail after his $2,500 bail was paid by Confidential Bonding. He said Sunday he didn't plan to hire an attorney.

First-year Georgia coach Mark Richt was making an in-home visit to a recruit Sunday night and couldn't be reached for comment.

''Coach Richt is aware of the situation, and I'm sure he's in the process of collecting all the information about the incident, including meeting with Charles,'' said Claude Felton, Georgia's senior associate athletic director for external affairs. ''When he has all the facts that he thinks are necessary, if he feels disciplinary action is in order, then I'm sure he'll take whatever action he feels appropriate.''

Grant said he met with Richt about the charge, but he was vague about the details of the meeting. He said Richt disciplined him ''hard,'' but he said he didn't think the disciplinary action would affect his playing status next fall.

Asked if he thought the matter was settled between himself and Richt, Grant said, ''Not all the way settled, but settled a little bit. I don't know. I'll just take it one day at a time.''

Georgia hosted several top prep players on official visits this weekend, and Grant said he served as an official host. However, he said no recruits were with him at the time of his arrest. There were two other people in Grant's car when he was arrested but neither was charged.

Grant played in 10 games at defensive end for the Bulldogs' this year, starting nine. He finished with 40 tackles, including eight for a loss, and two sacks. As a freshman, Grant had 33 tackles and seven sacks.

Richt, who was named Georgia's coach Dec. 26, has had to deal with the arrest of rising senior running back Jasper Sanks, who was arrested in Columbus on Dec. 27 on a misdemeanor charge of possession of marijuana.

Safety Terreal Bierria was arrested Jan. 12 for an outstanding warrant in Carrollton. Richt decided last week on a punishment for Bierria, but he didn't announce it. Felton said Bierria's status for the fall probably won't be affected by the punishment.